The new super automatics

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the entire Western world has known a boom in the growing of cannabis destined for consumer self-sufficiency. In the following article, we describe the basic features of auto-flowering seeds, as well as introduce the new wave of auto-flowering seeds known as "Super Autos". As an example, we provide information pertaining to the development of the Sweet Seeds seed bank's catalogue of auto-flowering seeds. All photographs are of auto-flowering seeds belonging to this bank.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the entire Western world has known a boom in the growing of cannabis destined for consumer self-sufficiency. In the following article, we describe the basic features of auto-flowering seeds, as well as introduce the new wave of auto-flowering seeds known as "Super Autos". As an example, we provide information pertaining to the development of the Sweet Seeds seed bank's catalogue of auto-flowering seeds. All photographs are of auto-flowering seeds belonging to this bank.

Nowadays, auto-flowering varieties are becoming more and more sought-after and requested by cannabis growers all over the world. Their main trait is that they flower automatically, regardless of the hours of light they receive. This entails a whole series of advantages in comparison with their non auto-flowering relations, thus resulting in the fact that, in such a short period of time, these once-despised plants have found their place in the hall of fame of cannabis varieties.

Modern auto varieties inherit the auto-flowering trait from plants of the Ruderalis type (Cannabis Ruderalis), which come from the cold areas of Eastern Europe (Hungary, southern Siberia, Russia) and Central Asia, where the climate - especially the cold and snow - only allows for three or four months of favourable conditions in which the plants can grow and reproduce each year. Thus, these varieties developed special adaptation traits in order to flower and produce their seeds in the short period of time available to them, perpetuating their species even in such inhospitable places.
The above-mentioned wild Cannabis Ruderalis plants have always been looked down on, for medicinal as well as recreational uses, as they produce cannabinoid plants with a very low THC content. Furthermore, these Ruderalis plants are fairly short, 30-80 cm - which is another reason they used to be scorned as raw material for industrial uses, due to the small size of the fibres.

Interest in auto-flowering varieties initially arose when a few enterprising breeders observed the immense potential hidden by the small, condemned plants in question. Thus, the decision to experiment, cross-breeding the primitive Ruderalis with selected clones. Their purpose was to obtain 100% auto-flowering plants, which maintained cannabinoid levels without giving up the aromas typical of the élite clones used.
The amazing success obtained by these auto varieties in recent years is due to their ever improving quality, as far as cannabinoid levels and aromas are concerned. It is also and especially due to the many advantages discovered by cultivators in these new strains. The main advantage is the ability to flower and be harvested regardless of the hours of light they receive.
In outdoor cultivation, this allows for several new possibilities and combinations, helping cultivator-consumers to better program their annual cannabis self-sufficiency. The possibility of harvesting out of season is an incredible advantage for all outdoor cultivators. With the arrival on the scene of auto varieties, these farmers no longer need to limit themselves to a single yield at the end of the summer; now they have the possibility of enjoying yields before the summer, as well.
Taking advantage of these opportunities, outdoor cultivators in humid areas, which are susceptible to fungal attacks because of the environmental conditions, have also started to grow these varieties, to avoid the September-October climate, when fungal attacks might otherwise cause the buds to rot. Cultivators in high mountain or cold areas are also beginning to plant these varieties in the spring-summer season, obtaining excellent results. In cities, these varieties are immune to light contamination from street lighting, flowering correctly even directly under a lamppost. This, together with the small size of the plants, makes them perfect for city growing, perhaps on a balcony.
There are also several indoor cultivators who are starting to make space for these varieties in their closets. The main reason these cultivators select auto varieties is the velocity of their life cycle: just 60-70 days from planting to harvesting. Although these auto-flowering varieties are cultivated indoors, with a photoperiod of 18-20 hours of light and 4-6 hours of darkness for the duration of the plant's life cycle, this excess of hours of light compared to the 12 hours needed by non auto seeds is more than made up for by the month of growing duration that the cultivation of auto-flowering seeds saves. The end result for indoor growers is a savings in electricity, as well as a month of cultivation. Those growers who have a room set aside for mothers and cuttings also enjoy the benefits of the openings in the room, with an 18/6 growth photoperiod, to grow auto plants.
Another of these varieties' main features is their small stature. This is also considered to be an advantage by the many growers who require small, discreet plants. It has been observed that these varieties are much more popular in the Western countries with rigid laws against self cannabis growing than in countries whose legislation is more permissive.

The Sweet Seeds example

The Sweet Seeds seed bank of feminised seeds began experimenting with auto-flowering seeds around 2007. Early in the 2009 season, Sweet Seeds presented their first auto-flowering variety, Speed Devil, to the cannabis community. And it was immediately successful, offering growers a 100% auto-flowering strain with an extremely rapid flowering period, characterised by an abundant resin and cannabinoid production as well as a pleasant Skunk-type aroma, with yeast and cheese tonalities.
Sweet Seeds presented two new auto-flowering varieties for the 2010 season: "Fast Bud" and "Big Devil". Fast Bud is the Sweet Seeds catalogue's most rapidly growing strain, a high-quality auto-flowering seed that is ready to yield just seven and a half weeks after planting. It is characterised by an abundance of resin and exotic aromas inherited from plants of the Diesel family. Big Devil is the result of a program designed to come up with high quality, larger auto-flowering plants; this strain produces plants that reach a height of 80-150 cm, with an abundant production of resin and a sweet, incense aroma similar to Haze plants.
During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Sweet Seeds breeders continued to work with these three auto varieties, keeping them in a constant state of evolution, mainly due to the necessity of selecting the best specimens of each generation to be parents for the next generation. Breeders must also keep in mind that the process has to include new genetic contributions, to avoid inbreeding, which could cause the loss of valuable hybrid vigour. Selections must be made, generation by generation, also considering the risk of producing genetic derivations with undesired qualities. With non auto-flowering varieties, genetic compositions remain much more stable as the years go by; thus, selected clones are used to produce commercial seeds.
Now, for the 2011 season, Sweet Seeds presents a revolution of these three proposals. The new versions are being marketed under the names Speed Devil #2, Fast Bud #2 and Big Devil #2.
The seed bank doesn't intend to eliminate the original versions of these varieties from the market; also, and very importantly, not to mention appreciably, considering the current financial crisis, Sweet Seeds is offering a significant price reduction for these varieties, which were the most popular auto-flowering seeds in Spanish grow shops for the 2010 season. With this price reduction, we can safely say that they are the most inexpensive feminised auto-flowering seeds on the market, with a really excellent value for money.
Aside from the three new versions, Sweet Seeds' surprises for the season include another three new auto-flowering varieties: Cream Caramel Auto, Black Jack Auto and S.A.D. Auto. They are the result of breeding programs aimed at introducing and stabilising the auto-flowering trait from some of the best and most renowned Sweet Seeds strains. The seed bank currently has more than ten open programs for crossing their best strains with the latest auto-flowering strains. The long-term objective is having all of the Sweet Seeds catalogue varieties available both in the auto and non auto versions.
These new auto-flowering versions represent a step up, quality-wise, compared to the majority of auto-flowering seeds that are currently on the market. They are far removed from their Ruderalis ancestors and more similar to the modern, polyhybrid, non-automatic seeds we are used to. These new generations, 100% automatic and feminised, are in no way lacking compared to their non auto-flowering relations - as far as vigour, flower density, aroma, resin and cannabinoid production are concerned. Thus the definition "Super Autos", which is beginning to circulate amongst cannabis farmers. Not much is left of the Ruderalis in these strains, except for its auto-flowering trait and the rapidity of its life cycle.
Below you will find some information on the new auto-flowering seeds, courtesy of the bank itself.

Speed Devil #2

First evolution of the Speed Devil strain, developed during the 2009/2010 seasons. All plants begin flowering approximately from the fourth pair of real leaves, regardless of the photoperiod and the time of year.

This new version of Speed Devil maintains its predecessor's rapid flowering period, yielding plants whose resinous and aromatic buds are mature and perfectly formed just 60 days after planting.
With Speed Devil #2, the average plant is larger, 70-80 cm. Another characteristic is the noticeable increase in side branches, which produce large buds; this also increases production.
This version shows an increase in resinous crystal. The aroma is much more intense, sweet and musky, with tonalities reminiscent of yeast and cheese.

Fast Bud #2:

First evolution of the Fast Bud strain. This auto-flowering variety produces numerous large buds laden with an abundance of aromatic resin; a more productive and aromatic new version.
It produces extremely vigorous plants, with more side branches compared to the previous version, and reaches a height between 40 and 90 cm. Powerful effect and sweet aromas with an exotic touch inherited from plants of the Diesel family. Rapid flowering auto plant.

Big Devil #2:

The first evolution of the Big Devil strain is an auto-flowering and feminised, high stature variety. Sweet Seeds selected this strain, which can reach a height of 1-1.5 m, to satisfy customer request for taller auto-flowering plants.

More productive and aromatic than its previous version, resinous and compact buds with an abundance of side branches. Sweet, incense aromas with a touch of Skunk.

S.A.D. Auto:

Auto-flowering version of the S. A. D. S-1 aromatic, the result of cross-breeding and subsequent stabilisation of the best auto-flowering indicas with the S.A.D. S-1. A high quality auto plant, with abundant buds and resin productions, an intense, sweet and musky aroma, rapid flowering, powerful effect and the great vigour of a hybrid.

The auto-flowering revolution is here. By the end of their flowering period, these plants show the same resinous and desirable appearance as their non auto-flowering siblings.

Cream Caramel Auto:

New auto-flowering version of Cream Caramel, the result of cross-breeding between the best auto-flowering indicas with the Cream Caramel strain. A high quality auto plant, with abundant buds and resin productions, an intense, sweet aroma with earthy tonalities, a powerful effect, the great vigour of a hybrid and rapid flowering. Medium-small size (40-80 cm).

Black Jack Auto:

An auto-flowering version of Black Jack, the result of a cross-breeding between S.A.D. Auto and a Jack Herer Auto, created by Sweet Seeds' R&D department especially in order to produce this cross.
A high quality auto plant, with abundant buds and resin productions. Intense, sweet incense aroma, rapid flowering, powerful effect, with the great vigour of a hybrid.